Echoes

It was not in the quiet moments
that alone-ness snuck in
on webbed feet
creeping to swallow her whole.
Oh no.
It was in between boisterous
bouts of crowded laughter,
leg-slappin' and shared memories
that never included her.
​That was when her solitary existence
grew three-fold.
She often felt old,
withered and wasted
​when stories were served around her...just out of reach.
If they only knew how much
she had to offer.
​How much love was carried in her coffers.
​If they gave a minute to get
to know her,
maybe they'd see her wings.
Maybe they'd hear the friendship
of acceptance when she sings.
But, her measly chips don't compare
​to the comfort of a shared
​history.
​And opening doors to an
unknown future is far too scary.
​So, she just listens to the echoes
​of their laughter
​as they scatter down the hallway.